The remarkably active roles that African women play in their
communities bring them respect, but also heavy responsibilities. The
degree and kind of independence and resources they enjoy has changed
radically in specific societies from pre-colonial to contemporary
times, while their responsibilities continue to multiply. This course
follows the themes of autonomy and control of resources, considering
both economic resources, such as land, labor, income and cattle, and
social resources, such as education, religion and political power.
Critical discussions of these alternatives and changes for women will
include their relevance to African and US development policy, to
African feminist concerns and to our own personal options. There will
be a midterm and a final, both taken home. Graduate students will
write a research paper.